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A photograph of a homa fire ritual at night. A square stone fire pit glows with burning embers at the centre, surrounded by a marble-edged border strewn with yellow and orange flower petals. Several priests in white dhotis and white shawls with red borders sit cross-legged around it, wearing gold necklaces and bangles. One priest on the left reaches toward the fire, another in the centre pours or offers from a brass bowl, and a third on the right holds a plate of grains. Brass oil lamps with lit flames, a garlanded deity murti draped in red and white flowers, and brass bowls of ghee and offerings are arranged around the pit. Four visible priests plus partly visible hands.

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October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +2 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA homa fire ritual at night with a square fire pit lit by flames. Four priests in white ritual clothes, with white dhotis and red-bordered cloths and gold beaded necklaces, sit around the pit making offerings; one priest in the foreground sits with hands outstretched over the fire. Behind them a figure in red-orange cloth is seated near a deity murti decorated with red flower garlands and white jasmine strands, with brass oil lamps and a kalasha-like vessel in front. Trays hold yellow flowers, nuts and offerings, and a bowl of liquid sits beside the fire. A framed portrait of a saffron-robed figure with a crown appears at upper right, and the scene includes a brass lamp with a burning wick.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +2 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA night-time photograph of a homa being performed at a square brick fire pit with a bright flame. Several priests sit around it in white dhoti and shawls, many wearing gold-toned beaded necklaces. One priest in the centre-right bends forward to pour offerings into the fire, while others hold brass plates of grains, herbs and chopped vegetables. Marigold and red flower petals are scattered on the stone platform. To the right stand brass lamps, a kalasha, red and white floral garlands, bowls of kumkum and a large decorated deity murti behind colourful drapery.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA photograph of a homa fire ritual at night in an ashram setting. A central square fire pit lined with brick holds a small flame, with brass bowls of ghee or oil, flowers and offerings around it. A priest in white dhoti and shawl with red border sits at the left, holding a long ladle-like stick toward the pit. Several young shaved-headed priests in white dhotis and gold necklaces sit around the pit. Behind them a portrait in a gold frame shows a saffron-robed figure with long hair and a gold necklace seated on a red throne, and a garland of red and white flowers hangs nearby. Brass lamps and a kalasha are visible at the left.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA night homa ritual at an outdoor ashram setting, with a square brick fire pit filled with glowing embers at the centre. Shaved-headed priests in white dhotis and white shawls, several wearing gold necklaces and rudraksha-style beaded malas, sit around the pit making offerings. One priest on the left, bare-chested and seated on a wooden stool, holds a long ladle over the fire; another in front pours from a brass vessel of liquid. Brass oil lamps, flower garlands in red and white, and plates of offerings sit on the floor. In the background a framed photograph shows a smiling woman in orange robes seated on a red and gold throne, and colourful fairy lights hang behind the stalls.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA photograph of a Chandi Homa fire ritual at night outdoors. A square fire pit glows at the centre, set on a white marble-like platform decorated with scattered red and pink flower petals. Around it sit about seven men in white dhotis and white shawls, several wearing gold necklaces and bead malas, many with shaved heads; they hold brass plates of offerings such as chopped vegetables, grains and wood pieces, and feed the fire. Behind them, large colourful deity murtis with flower garlands, brass lamps, kalasha-style vessels, fruit, and bowls of kumkum and vibhuti are arranged on a red and gold cloth. Strings of lights decorate the background.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copies